Worcester court hearing set for man charged with rape in Northboro

Wednesday

Jan 9, 2013 at 6:00 AM

A dangerousness hearing has been scheduled Feb. 12 for a Norwood man accused of kidnapping, raping and beating a woman in Northboro.

Robert Ferris, 29, pleaded not guilty to charges of rape, kidnapping, assault and battery causing serious bodily injury, assault and battery, intimidation of a witness and threatening to commit a crime at his arraignment Tuesday in Worcester Superior Court. He is alleged to have committed the crimes Nov. 9 in Northboro.

Documents containing information about the alleged attack were impounded when Mr. Ferris’s case was pending in the Westboro court, but Judge Vito Virzi wrote at that time that the suspect was deemed “very volatile and dangerous.” He also noted that Mr. Ferris who had not yet been charged with rape, was alleged to have kidnapped and “severely” beaten the alleged victim, breaking her nose, biting her and causing serious head injuries.

Mr. Ferris waived his right to a dangerousness hearing requested by prosecutors when the case was pending in the Westboro court and was ordered held without bail by Judge Virzi.

Assistant District Attorney Julieanne Richard filed a motion Tuesday in the Worcester court asking that Mr. Ferris be found to pose a danger to the public or a particular individual and be held without bail for up to 90 days while awaiting trial.

Through his lawyer, Jonathan A. Franzel, Mr. Ferris waived his right to have the hearing within seven days. Judge Janet Kenton-Walker scheduled the hearing for Feb. 12 at Mr. Franzel’s request.

She ordered that Mr. Ferris remain in custody without bail until then.